Ready for Calculus-based Physics?

  • Context: Courses 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ScienceMan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the readiness of a student to enroll in calculus-based physics courses, specifically focusing on mechanics and electricity/magnetism. The student has completed Calculus 1 with a high A and plans to take Calculus 2 concurrently with the first physics course. The college does not require prior algebra-based physics for entry into calculus-based physics, which alleviates some concerns. The consensus is that the student is well-prepared for the calculus-based physics curriculum despite a long gap in physics study.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Calculus 1 concepts
  • Familiarity with Calculus 2 topics
  • Basic knowledge of algebra-based physics principles
  • Ability to apply calculus in physical contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Review key concepts from AP Physics B to refresh physics knowledge
  • Study mechanics topics in preparation for the first calculus-based physics course
  • Explore resources on calculus applications in physics
  • Practice problem-solving using calculus in physics scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students transitioning from algebra-based to calculus-based physics, particularly those with a strong calculus background but limited recent physics experience.

ScienceMan
Messages
12
Reaction score
1
I'm considering taking calculus based physics in the spring. The first course (mechanics) has a prerequisite of Calculus 1 and a co-requisite of Calculus 2. The 2nd course (electricity/magnetism) has Calculus 2 as a prerequisite. I just took Calculus 1 this semester and got a high A and I plan to take Calculus 2 in the spring.

Do you think I'm ready for the calculus based version of physics? I took AP Physics B almost a decade ago in high school so the college awarded me credit for algebra based. My college doesn't require algebra based to get into calculus based, just the math. I'm really rusty on physics because it's been so long. I'm really not worried about my calculus background since I just aced my Calc 1. It's my physics background that's giving me hesitation.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Assuming it's some Physics I type course (the first "general physics" course for physics majors), it likely won't assume any prior physics knowledge. It sounds like you're right on track.
 

Similar threads

Courses Algebra or Calculus based physics to start with?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Courses Similarities in College Physics 1301 and University Physics 2425
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Why Is Calculus Personal for Me?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Courses Computer Science Major: Take Calculus-based Physics or Algebra-based?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Studying How Can I Improve My Vector Calculus Skills for Classical Mechanics?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Will a D in AP Physics C First Semester Impact My College Acceptances?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Courses Should I take Calculus 2 my freshman year of college?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
7K
Looking for Online Calculus-based Physics Courses with Lab Component
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Courses Should I take physics or chemistry first?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Courses Navigating Two Math Classes and an Elective Simultaneously
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K